288. The Modern Lovers, "The Modern Lovers"

 


The Modern Lovers, and this album in particular, are perhaps best known for that classic song "Roadrunner."  Even today, almost 50 years later, it still has a propulsive force that just doesn't quit:


Oh wait, wrong "Roadrunner."  Although this one (written and sung by Barbara Cameron) also bangs.  No, no, this is the one we want, originally recorded in 1972, with this cool vintage video of cars driving through what I understand is probably mid-60's Boston:


Some claim this is the first punk song.  Or maybe the first new wave song?  Whatever it is, it is surely one of the great rock and roll songs of all time.  Young Jonathan Richman, growing up in Natick, Mass., became so enamored of the Velvet Underground that he moved to NYC just to be closer to them.  Amazingly, this cockamamie plan worked and he even got to open for them.  Back in Boston, he put together the Modern Lovers, which would eventually include Jerry Harrison on keys, who would later find fame with a much bigger band we will see again in this space.

The Lovers recorded demos in 1971 and 1972 that became the backbone of this album, which was eventually released in 1976, long after the band had broken up.  Apart from "Roadrunner," an instant classic, this record also contains "Pablo Picasso," which became famous when Burning Sensations covered it for the film "Repo Man," and "Hospital," a long, brooding song about romantic obsession and longing, themes that would dominate Richman's work.  It's really a lovely song.

This album owes a ton, obviously, to the Velvet Underground, but it's somehow more emotionally raw and vulnerable than the Velvets' stuff.  Whereas Lou Reed lets you know he's probably too cool for you to hang around with, Richman is so sad and exposed that you genuinely feel sorry for him.  And the music reflects it as well.  Just listen to "Girlfriend" and tell me you can't hear the sadness and loneliness coming right through the speakers at you.  Luckily the album closes on the upbeat "Modern World," which is just a total, complete rock song with that 4/4 beat and fuzzy guitar solo and the singer beseeching you to just go for it:

'Cause I'm in love with the USA, now (I love the USA)
I'm in love with the modern world, now (and I love the modern world)
Put down the cigarette
And drop out of B.U.

(BTW, there are so many Boston references on this album, that's gotta be part of its charm.)

A Programming Note: No entry tomorrow, as we are moving our operation to our remote location.  I hope to continue on Friday, however.

Does this album deserve to be in the Top 500? Yes.  Are you kidding?  It should be higher.

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